Weight control success and depression by gender with respect to weight control behaviors

Background/ObjectiveThere are many methods for weight loss and they vary among people. Some are yet to be proven as appropriate regarding its physical or mental side effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between weight control success and depression by weight control behaviors (WCB) dividing them into appropriate and inappropriate.Subjects/MethodsWe used data from the 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 4506 people were included in the study. The depression was measured by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire as a dependent variable. Using multiple regression analysis to determine the association between weight control success and depression with appropriate and inappropriate WCB, in men and women, separately.ResultsWe found that appropriate WCB was associated with decreased depression in women who had both success and fail (success: β = −0.16, S.E = 0.50, p < .001; fail: β = −0.09, S.E = 0.04, p = 0.04), whereas inappropriate WCB increased depression in men regardless of success or failure at weight control (success: β = 0.41, p = 0.02; fail: β = 0.22, p = 0.02). Thus, women who are successful at weight control and use appropriate WCB are more likely to have a decrease in depressive symptoms. However, men are most affected by using inappropriate WCB and can have an increase in depressive symptoms as a result.ConclusionThe findings have implications for encouraging the use of appropriate WCB for those attempting to control weight, especially in women.     

Associations between relationship stability,relationship quality,and weight loss outcomes among bariatric surgery patients

After weight loss surgery (WLS), psychosocial functioning, including the quality of social relationships, generally improves, but for a minority, relationships worsen. We examined how changes in relationship stability and quality from pre- to post-WLS relate to long-term weight loss outcomes. Postoperative patients (N = 361) completed surveys which queried relationship changes and weight loss. The sample was 95.9% Caucasian, 80.1% female, averaged 7.7 years post-WLS, with a mean age at surgery of 47.7 years (range 21–72); 87.3% had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Four relationship status groups were created: Not in a relationship at surgery or follow-up (No-Rel, n = 66; 18.2%); Post-WLS relationship only (New-Rel, n = 23; 6%); Pre-WLS relationship only (Lost-Rel, n = 17; 5%); and Pre–Post Relationship (Maintainer, n = 255; 70.6%). Current BMI was 34.5 for No-Rel; 40.5 for New-Rel; 37.4 for Lost-Rel; 33.3 for Maintainers (p < .05 for Maintainers and No-Rel vs. New-Rel). These same group differences were significant for weight loss, which was not associated with gender, time since surgery, or age at time of surgery, but was associated with pre-WLS BMI (lower pre-WLS BMI was associated with greater %EWL). Analyses were repeated with pre-WLS BMI as a covariate; group differences remained significant [F (3, 355) = 3.09, p = .03], as did pre-WLS BMI, [F (1, 355) = 9.12, p = .003]. Among Maintainers, relationship quality was associated with weight loss outcomes: those with improved relationships post-WLS had significantly greater %EWL [F (2, 234) = 15.82, p < 0.000; p < .05 for Improved > (Stayed Same = Got Worse)]. Findings support the importance of assessing relationship stability and quality in pre-WLS candidates, as healthy and stable relationships may support improved long-term outcomes. Interventions to improve relationships pre-and post-WLS may increase both quality of life and weight loss outcomes.     

Temps devant les écrans,sport et sommeil d’une population d’adolescents algériens – Influence du genre et de l’indice de masse corporelle

ObjectiveThis article analyses the influence of gender and body mass index (BMI) on the usual physical activities of a population of Algerian adolescents.Material and methodsData on sleep durations, studying at home, being in front of a screen (television, computer, smartphone, playing console) were collected using a questionnaire. Information on sporting activity was also collected. International references from the World Health Organization have been used to classify subjects by ponderal status.ResultsA total of 501 adolescents (10–19 years old) schooled in primary, middle and secondary cycles participated in the study. A negative correlation was found between the duration of sleep and their age (r = ?12%). The normal weight adolescents were predominant (65.5%; P < 0.0001). For sporting activity, 8.2% of those surveyed did not practise it (neither at school, nor in the gym, nor outdoors). Positive correlations were observed between age and BMI (r = 36%), duration of use smartphone and BMI (r = 50%) and with age (r = 48%). For the three school levels, the average duration of using a smartphone was positively and significantly correlated with BMI (primary: r = 29%; middle: r = 35%; secondary: r = 45%).ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle during adolescence through the capacity for self-regulation by avoiding a health risk behaviours, including the use of digital technologies and the lack of practice of sport.     

Vitamin D,bone mineral density and body mass index in eating disorder patients

AimTo investigate associations of vitamin D with BMD and BMI in ED patients.MethodsVitamin D, BMD and BMI for 50 patients admitted to a specialised ED inpatient unit were measured. Patients were aged 15–54 years with BMI 8–25 kg/m².ResultsOf the patients, 18% were vitamin D deficient. There was a significant linear relationship between vitamin D and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p = 0.029), femoral neck (p < 0.001) and total hip (p = 0.001). There was no relationship between vitamin D and BMI. There was a significant linear relationship between BMI and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p < 0.001), femoral neck (p = 0.008) and total hip (p = 0.001).ConclusionsLow vitamin D and low BMI are associated with low BMD in ED patients. Despite widespread belief that it is not necessary, our findings suggest it is appropriate to measure vitamin D in ED patients. It should not be assumed ED patients take supplements.     

The association between discrepant weight perceptions and objectively measured physical activity

BackgroundSome individuals perceive themselves as being normal weight, despite having an excess body fat percentage (e.g., underestimate weight). Conversely, other individuals perceive themselves as being overweight, despite having a normal body fat percentage (e.g., overestimate weight). When perceived and actual weight statuses are incongruent, individuals possess a discrepant weight perception. The association between discrepant weight perceptions and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has not been thoroughly investigated, which was this study's purpose.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized (N = 5462 adults). MVPA was assessed via accelerometry. Based on measured body mass index and whether participants considered themselves as overweight, underweight, or about the right weight, we classified individuals as accurate perception, overestimate weight (discrepant), or underestimate weight (discrepant). A negative binomial logistical regression was used to assess the association between discrepant weight perception (independent variable) and engagement in MVPA (outcome variable).ResultsFemales who said that they are normal weight, but were in fact overweight based on body mass index, engaged in 13% less MVPA (rate ratio = .87, 95% confidence interval: .769–.999, P = .05). Also, older adults (> 60 yrs) who said that they are normal weight, but were overweight based on body mass index, engaged in 23% less MVPA (rate ratio = .77, 95% confidence interval: .616–.965, P = .025).ConclusionDiscrepant weight perceptions were associated with less objectively measured MVPA. Interventions should take weight perceptions into consideration when designing and evaluating intervention impact.     

COVID- 19 outbreak: Does confinement have any impact on weight change perception?

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between factors related to COVID-19 confinement (i.e., fear of COVID-19, anxiety, anger, boredom, eating disorders, and duration of confinement) and weight perception in a sample of the Lebanese population.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey carried out at a one-time point between April 3 and 18, 2020, enrolled 407 participants. Due to the imposed lockdown, respondents self-reported their weight and height. One dichotomized question (positive/negative) assessed the perception of weight change (yes = change perception, and no = no change perception). The variation in BMI was calculated by subtracting the estimated weight during confinement from the estimated weight before.ResultsNo significant variation in BMI was detected before and during the confinement (p = 0.40), while a perceived weight change was found in 212 (52.1%) participants. The regression analysis showed that higher fear of COVID-19 score (ORa = 0.96) and higher self-reported weight change (ORa = 0.47) were associated with lower weight change perception. However, longer confinement duration (ORa = 1.07), higher anxiety (ORa = 1.05), and high eating concerns (ORa = 1.81) were associated with higher weight change perception.ConclusionOur results revealed that both the fear of COVID-19 and self-reported weight change were negatively associated with weight change perception, while higher anxiety and a longer duration of confinement correlated with a higher weight change perception. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings.     

Social anxiety and disordered overeating: An association among overweight and obese individuals

ObjectiveThe study objectives were to evaluate the relationship between social anxiety, binge eating, and emotional eating in overweight and obese individuals and to evaluate the relationship between weight and social anxiety.MethodsUsing an internet based survey, overweight and obese men and women (n = 231; mean age = 36.0 ± 12.8; mean BMI = 33.7 kg/m² ± 6.7) completed several self-report measures including: social anxiety, social physique anxiety, binge eating, and emotional eating. The relationships among variables were evaluated using Spearman's correlations, ANOVAs, and linear and logistic regression equations.ResultsClinically significant levels of social anxiety were reported in 59% of participants, and binge eating disorder criteria were met by 13%. Social anxiety was significantly associated with binge eating (r = .36; OR = 1.06, CI = 1.02–1.10) and emotional eating (r = .46; β = 0.36), but was not associated with restrained eating. The association between social physique anxiety and emotional and binge eating did not remain significant in regression equations. BMI was associated with binge eating (r = .19) but not emotional eating. Level of social anxiety was not significantly higher among extremely obese participants, compared to overweight and obese participants.ConclusionsIn this study, social anxiety was associated with binge eating and emotional eating in overweight and obese men and women. When appropriate, interventions could address social anxiety as a barrier to normative eating patterns and weight loss.     

The impact of age and BMI on impairment due to disordered eating in a large female community sample

The impact of age and BMI on functional impairment in eating disorders was assessed by the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) scale in a representative community sample. The CIA was administered to 1080 women aged 16–50 years (M = 36.2, SD = 9.5) with a range of BMI from 13.5 to 55.0 (M = 24.6, SD = 4.9) randomly selected from the Norwegian National Population Register. The average global CIA score was 5.3 (SD = 8.5). Impairment tended to decrease with age (r_s = ?.20, p < .01), yet increased with greater BMI (r_s = .31, p < .01). Approximately 30% of the participants with obesity scored in the clinical range compared to 7% of the underweight and normal-weight participants. Data supported the utility and feasibility of the CIA as a measure of functional impairment secondary to weight, shape, and eating concerns. It is recommended that age and BMI be considered during the interpretation of CIA data.     

Implementing classroom physical activity breaks: Associations with student physical activity and classroom behavior

ObjectiveTo investigate the relation of classroom physical activity breaks to students' physical activity and classroom behavior.MethodsSix elementary-school districts in California implemented classroom physical activity interventions in 2013–2014. Students' (N = 1322) accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during school and teachers' (N = 397) reports of implementation and classroom behavior were assessed in 24 schools at two time points (both post-intervention). Mixed-effects models accounted for nested data.ResultsMinutes/day of activity breaks was positively associated with students' MVPA (βs = .07–.14; ps = .012–.016). Students in classrooms with activity breaks were more likely to obtain 30 min/day of MVPA during school (OR = 1.75; p = .002). Implementation was negatively associated with students having a lack of effort in class (β = − .17; p = .042), and student MVPA was negatively associated with students being off task or inattentive in the classroom (β = − .17; p = .042). Students provided with 3–4 physical activity opportunities (classroom breaks, recess, PE, dedicated PE teacher) had ≈ 5 more min/day of school MVPA than students with no opportunities (B = 1.53 min/opportunity; p = .002).ConclusionsImplementing classroom physical activity breaks can improve student physical activity during school and behavior in the classroom. Comprehensive school physical activity programs that include classroom-based activity are likely needed to meet the 30 min/day school physical activity guideline.     

Neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation predicts weight gain in a multi-ethnic population: Longitudinal data from the Dallas Heart Study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine a relationship between neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation and weight change in a multi-ethnic cohort from Dallas County, Texas and whether behavioral/psychosocial factors attenuate the relationship.MethodsNon-movers (those in the same neighborhood throughout the study period) aged 18–65 (N = 939) in Dallas Heart Study (DHS) underwent weight measurements between 2000 and 2009 (median 7-year follow-up). Geocoded home addresses defined block groups; a neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) was created (higher NDI = greater deprivation). Multi-level modeling determined weight change relative to NDI. Model fit improvement was examined with adding physical activity and neighborhood environment perceptions (higher score = more unfavorable perceptions) as covariates. A significant interaction between residence length and NDI was found (p-interaction = 0.04); results were stratified by median residence length (11 years).ResultsAdjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, and education/income, those who lived in neighborhood > 11 years gained 1.0 kg per one-unit increment of NDI (p = 0.03), or 6 kg for those in highest NDI tertile compared with those in the lowest tertile. Physical activity improved model fit; NDI remained associated with weight gain after adjustment for physical activity and neighborhood environment perceptions. There was no significant relationship between NDI and weight change for those in their neighborhood ≤ 11 years.ConclusionsLiving in more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods over a longer time period was associated with weight gain in DHS.     

Nibbling and picking in obese patients with Binge Eating Disorder

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine the clinical utility of nibbling behavior, defined as eating in an unplanned and repetitious manner between meals and snacks without a sense of loss of control, in obese patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED).MethodsTwo-hundred seventeen (N = 217) consecutive, treatment-seeking, obese patients with BED were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Nibbling frequency was examined in relation to current weight, eating disorder psychopathology and eating patterns.ResultsResults found that nibbling/picking was not related to body mass index, objective bulimic, subjective bulimic, or overeating episodes, food avoidance, sensitivity to weight gain, or any subscales of the EDE. However, nibbling/picking was significantly related to frequency of morning and afternoon snacking (r = .21, p = .002; r = .27, p < .001).DiscussionThe assessment of nibbling/picking behaviors among individuals with BED might not provide clinically significant information.     

Implicit,explicit, and internalized weight bias and psychosocial maladjustment among treatment-seeking adults

ObjectiveWeight bias among weight loss treatment-seeking adults has been understudied. This investigation examined the 1) levels of implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias among overweight/obese treatment-seeking adults, 2) association between weight bias and psychosocial maladjustment (binge eating, body image, depression), and 3) association between participation in weight loss treatment and changes in weight bias.MethodsFifty-four overweight and obese individuals (BMI ≥ 27) recruited for a weight loss intervention completed measures of depression, body image, binge eating, and implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias.ResultsParticipants evidenced significant implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias. Greater weight bias was associated with greater depression, poorer body image, and increased binge eating. Despite significant reductions in negative internalized and explicit weight bias following treatment, weight bias remained strong.ConclusionsWeight bias among treatment-seeking adults is associated with greater psychological maladjustment and may interfere with their ability to achieve optimal health and well-being.     

Cognitive and weight-related correlates of flexible and rigid restrained eating behaviour

ObjectivesExamine the association between components of restrained eating, cognitive performance and weight loss maintenance.Methods106 women, all members of a commercial slimming organisation for at least 6 months (mean ± SD: 15.7 ± 12.4 months), were studied who, having lost 10.1 ± 9.7 kg of their initial weight, were hoping to sustain their weight loss during the 6 month study. Dietary restraint subcomponents flexible and rigid restraint, as well as preoccupying cognitions with food, body-shape and diet were assessed using questionnaires. Attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli was measured using a modified Stroop test. Working memory performance was assessed using the N-back test. These factors, and participant weight, were measured twice at 6 month intervals.ResultsRigid restraint was associated with attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli (r = 0.43, p < 0.001 resp. r = 0.49, p < 0.001) whereas flexible restraint correlated with impaired working memory (r = ? 0.25, p < 0.05). In a multiple regression analyses, flexible restraint was associated with more weight lost and better weight loss maintenance, while rigid restraint was associated with less weight loss.ConclusionsRigid restraint correlates with a range of preoccupying cognitions and attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli. Flexible restraint, despite the impaired working memory performance, predicts better long-term weight loss. Explicitly encouraging flexible restraint may be important in preventing and treating obesity.     

Early patterns of food intake in an adolescent weight loss trial as predictors of BMI change

PurposeTo determine whether baseline intake or initial changes in intake of fruits (F), vegetables (V), snack foods (SF), and reduced-calorie snack foods (RCSF) during standard behavioral weight loss treatment predict BMI reductions among overweight adolescents. Given conflicting messages between child and adult weight loss interventions, the role of RCSF in adolescent weight control was of particular interest.MethodsSeventy-two adolescents, 13–16 years old, participating in a 16-week behavioral weight loss trial with diet records at baseline and 4 weeks were included. Height and weight were measured at 0 and 16 weeks. Frequency of intake of F, V, SF, and RCSF were obtained from 7-day food records at 0 and 4 weeks.ResultsMale gender, higher initial frequency of intake of V and increased frequency of intake of F and RCSF over the first 4 weeks of treatment accounted for 43% of the variance in BMI reduction at 16 weeks (p < .001).ConclusionsEarly changes in eating habits, including increased frequency of intake of F and RCSF may promote greater adolescent BMI reductions.     

Adiposity is not beneficial to bone mineral density in 0–5 year old Chinese children: The Jiangsu bone health study

ObjectiveData on obesity in relation to bone mineral density(BMD) in infants and preschool children were sparse in China. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between body mass index (BMI) and BMD.Subjects and methodsThis was a large population-based multicenter study in which the representative children aged 0–5 years were recruited from 13 Children’s Health Care Centers by a stratified cluster random-sampling method in Jiangsu Province, China. BMD was measured by using quantitative ultrasound. The association of BMD with BMI and obesity were evaluated using multiple linear regression and logistic regression analysis taking into account the effects of confounders. The relations between age, weight, height, BMI and BMD were analyzed by using Pearson’s correlation and further tested using partial correlation in the additive model.ResultsA total of 5,289 children (2786 boys and 2503 girls) were recruited. The BMD was positively linear relation with age, length/height, and was inversely linear relation with BMI (r = 0.711, P < 0.001; r = 0.727, P < 0.001; r = −0.318, P < 0.001, respectively). The BMD gradually increased when the weight was in the range within 21.2 kg, but started to gain slowlyand even decreased when the weight was over 21.2 kg. After adjusting for confounders, compared with control group, children with obesityhad higher odds of low BMD (OR 95%CI: 2.73 (1.57, 4.76), P < 0.001), the speed of sound (SOS)value in children with obesity was lower 47.45 (β = −47.45, 95%CI = −85.07, −9.83, P = 0.013).ConclusionsAdiposity was not advantageous for bone mineral density in 0-5-year-old Chinese children.     

Body weight dissatisfaction: A comparison of women with and without eating disorders

ObjectiveBody dissatisfaction is present in a majority of women without eating disorders (EDs), and almost all women with EDs. We compared body dissatisfaction in women with and without EDs to determine at which BMI women are content with their weight, and to determine if body dissatisfaction is affected by the presence of purging behaviours.MethodsWe assessed women, age 18 to 55 with an ED (N = 431) and without an ED (N = 719) using the discrepancy between their current and desired BMI. This measure of body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) has been validated as being representative of overall body dissatisfaction. We also measured perceptions of (i) Body Appearance and (ii) Body Image to confirm our results.ResultsWomen with and without EDs wished to lose weight until very low weights were achieved (BMI 15–16 kg/m² and BMI 18–19 kg/m² respectively). BWD is higher in women with EDs (median 1.77, IQR 0–4.61) than women without EDs (median 0.85, IQR 0–1.80, p < 0.001). Purging behaviours in women with EDs were associated with lower BMIs to achieve body satisfaction (BMI 15–16 kg/m²) than women who did not purge (16–17 kg/m²).ConclusionsBody weight dissatisfaction is highly prevalent amongst women with and without EDs. Understanding body weight dissatisfaction in women with EDs and its association with purging may assist in the prevention, detection and treatment of these disorders. Women with EDs should be informed that body weight dissatisfaction will not resolve with the cessation of their disorder, as it is prevalent within the general population.     

Smokers' physical activity and weight gain one year after a successful versus unsuccessful quit attempt

ObjectiveTo examine whether smokers' physical activity is related to weight change following a quit attempt.MethodData were analyzed for participants (n = 683) of a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of different smoking cessation pharmacotherapies (Wisconsin, 2005–2008). Activity (assessed via pedometry) and body weight were measured in the days surrounding the quit day and again one year later, at which time 7-day point-prevalence abstinence from smoking was assessed. We examined the effects of quitting, physical activity, and their interaction, on a one-year weight change with relevant covariate adjustment.ResultsParticipants were predominantly female (57%), 46 ± 11 years of age (mean ± SD), and took 7544 ± 3606 steps/day at baseline. Of those who quit, 87% gained weight. A main effect was found for quitting (p < 0.001), but not physical activity (p = 0.06). When pattern of activity was examined across the 1-year study period, quitters who decreased their physical activity had significantly greater weight gain than quitters who increased their physical activity (p < 0.01) or maintained a high level of activity (p = 0.02).ConclusionPhysical activity is associated with an attenuation of the weight gain that often occurs after quitting smoking.     

Relationship between physical activity and general mental health

PurposeWe investigated the relationship between physical activity and mental health and determined the optimal amount of physical activity associated with better mental health.MethodSelf-reported data from a national random sample of 7674 adult respondents collected during the 2008 U.S. Health Information National Trends 2007 Survey (HINTS) were analyzed in 2012. Mental health was plotted against the number of hours of physical activity per week using a fractional 2-degree polynomial function. Demographic and physical health factors related to poorer mental health were examined. The optimal range of physical activity associated with poorer mental health was examined by age, gender, and physical health.ResultsA curvilinear association was observed between physical activity and general mental health. The optimal threshold volume for mental health benefits was of 2.5 to 7.5 h of weekly physical activity. The associations varied by gender, age, and physical health status. Individuals who engaged in the optimal amount of physical activity were more likely to have reported better mental health (odds ratio = 1.39, p = 0.006).ConclusionsThis study established a hyperbolic dose–response relationship between physical activity and general mental health, with an optimal range of 2.5 to 7.5 h of physical activity per week.     

The ‘Healthy Dads,Healthy Kids’ community randomized controlled trial: A community-based healthy lifestyle program for fathers and their children

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK)’ program when delivered by trained facilitators in community settings.MethodA two-arm randomized controlled trial of 93 overweight/obese fathers (mean [SD] age = 40.3 [5.3] years; BMI = 32.5 [3.8] kg/m²) and their primary school-aged children (n = 132) from the Hunter Region, Australia. In 2010–2011, families were randomized to either: (i) HDHK intervention (n = 48 fathers, n = 72 children) or (ii) wait-list control group. The 7-week intervention included seven sessions and resources (booklets, pedometers). Assessments were held at baseline and 14-weeks with fathers' weight (kg) as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes for fathers and children included waist, BMI, blood pressure, resting heart rate, physical activity (pedometry), and self-reported dietary intake and sedentary behaviors.ResultsLinear mixed models (intention-to-treat) revealed significant between-group differences for fathers' weight (P < .001, d = 0.24), with HDHK fathers losing more weight (− 3.3 kg; 95%CI, − 4.3, − 2.4) than control fathers (0.1 kg; 95%CI, − 0.9,1.0). Significant treatment effects (P < .05) were also found for fathers' waist (d = 0.41), BMI (d = 0.26), resting heart rate (d = 0.59), energy intake (d = 0.49) and physical activity (d = 0.46) and for children's physical activity (d = 0.50) and adiposity (d = 0.07).DiscussionHDHK significantly improved health outcomes and behaviors in fathers and children, providing evidence for program effectiveness when delivered in a community setting.     

The associations between overweight,weight change and health related quality of life: Longitudinal data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort 2002–2010

ObjectiveCross-sectional studies have shown that people with obesity and overweight report lower health related quality of life (HRQoL). With a lack of longitudinal studies, this study aims to assess the association between eight-year weight change and HRQoL measured by the EQ-5D instrument and to investigate whether the association differs with regard to baseline body mass index (BMI).MethodA population-based survey was conducted among a random sample of 31,182 individuals from Stockholm County aged 18–84 years in 2002 and reassessed in 2010 and supplemented by record linkage with regional and national registers. Multivariate Poisson regression and linear regression were conducted with adjustments for socio-demographic and health-related variables and baseline BMI category as effect modifier for the association between weight change and HRQoL.ResultsIndividuals with overweight and obesity respectively have 0.014 and 0.039 lower EQ-5D indexes compared to those being normal weight. Over the eight-year follow-up, 17.6% gained moderately (≥ 5% body weight) and 13.9% gained heavily (≥ 10% body weight) in weight. In the fully adjusted analysis, heavy weight gain was associated with a significantly lower overall EQ-5D index and an increased risk of reporting impairment in all but one EQ-5D dimensions irrespective of baseline BMI category. Weight reduction had no significant preventive effect.ConclusionNext to obesity status itself, weight gain leads to impairment in HRQoL irrespective of BMI category at baseline while eight year weight loss seems not to have the reversed effect on HRQoL, emphasizing the importance of primary prevention of weight gain.